Chris Hughton admitted he sent on Steve Sidwell to shore up midfield – after celebrating his winner.

The midfielder scored late to secure a precious 2-1 success at Nottingham Forest.

Albion had looked to be heading for a draw until Sidwell finished off good work by fellow sub Anthony Knockaert.

Sidwell had been sent on for Beram Kayal.

Hughton said: “I felt the game was becoming a little open and if we could secure a little bit in central midfield, a forward four could win us the game.

The Argus:

“It probably didn’t work out quite that way with Stevey Sidwell scoring but I felt that James Wilson and Anthony Knockaert could influence the game.”

He added: “Siddy can break forward. That has been his game all his life, breaking forward from midfield.

“Did I bring him on for that reason? Not particularly! But I’m grateful that he did.”